Manchester United receive injury boost

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Chris Smalling could make his first appearance of the season in during their Champions League tie against Braga.

The defender has been out of action with a broken metatarsal, but does feature in the Red Devils’ squad as they travel to Portugal.

Although it is believed that the England international is not 100% fit, Fergie hinted that he could play some part in the tie.

When asked about the situations of Phil Jones and Smalling ahead of the clash, the Scot replied:

“Phil Jones will start training with us next Monday which is good news.” He is quoted by The Metro.

“He is making really good progress now. Chris Smalling is with the party and will be involved tomorrow.

“That is really good news because since the start of the season, we’ve been operating on the borderline in terms of certain defenders having to play all the time, and also having to play (midfielder) Michael Carrick as a centre-back.

“They can only help us with that. Those two are outstanding young defenders and it will give us a fantastic squad to take on all our challenges.”

Although they are able to welcome back their defender, United will be without Darren Fletcher, Shinji Kagawa and Paul Scholes:

“Fletcher had a little bit of a cold on Sunday and there is no point in taking him travelling with a cold,” Added Ferguson.

“With Scholes, for the last few weeks I have been resting him, looking to freshen him up.